Participant 10

Guiding Questions:

What are your initial thoughts about the concept of Literacy with ICT (LwICT)?

I think that Literacy with ICT is a necessary and unavoidable concept. I have taught with this idea in mind for my entire career (I've been a teacher for 6 years)

What implementation barriers for LwICT do you foresee at Senior Years?

Some barriers may be the resistance to change from some Senior Years teachers, fear of technology and lack of resources because there is a lack of money.

What opportunities does LwICT present for Senior Years?

Opportunities to provide learning opportunities that are engaging and meaningful to students is huge. As a Senior Years teacher I already use ICT to teach and my students use it to demonstrate their learning. This year, I taught a World Issues course to Grade 11 and 12 students in two schools by using a combination of video-conferencing, Google Docs and e-mail. I intend to build on this by using Moodle and wikis in the future years. In a very small community, this has provided students with an opportunity to take a course that could not be provided otherwise.

What professional learning is required initially to prepare Senior Years teachers to begin to use the LwICT continuum?

An understanding of the continuum is necessary. Focusing on the big ideas and how they apply to all content areas will be necessary. Seminars on various technology could come later.

What types of ICT do you currently have in your Senior Years classroom?

I have 16 desktop computers with internet access and software including Inspiration, video and photo editing, a printer, a ceiling mounted projector and screen, DVD player, VCR, 4 digital cameras and a digital video camera. I have all of this because I teach Digital Pictures and Digital Filmmaking.

What types of ICT are available to you in your school, but not in your classroom?

We have video conferencing equipment as well. All teachers have 2 or more computers and a couple have projectors. We have a computer lab and 2 portable projectors. Cameras are also available. A SMART board is on its way.

What subjects and grades do you teach and how do you currently use ICT to enhance student learning?

I teach Grade 3 Social Studies to a combined 3/4 class, Grade 7 Social Studies to a combined 7/8 class, Digital Pictures and Digital Filmmaking (25S) to a combined 9/10 class. In the first semester, I also taught Grade 10 ELA and World Issues. Next semester, I will teach Grade 9 Social Studies. I am the K-8 LwICT mentor and believe that LwICT is a way of life for me. I believe I use it to enhance student learning whenever it is in the best interest of students. I often use my projector to demonstrate/model and find this beneficial. I provide opportunities and the tools for students to demonstrate their learning in ways that make sense for them and the outcomes.